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90s Fashion: Then and Now

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter.

If you’ve ever been to a 90s theme party, you may have noticed that some people dress as they normally would. Many iconic fashion staples of the 90s have made a strong comeback in recent years, making all 90s kids nostalgic for the days of Gameboys, hair scrunchies, and watching Full House (and wanting to be exactly like the Tanner family). Here are a few of our favorite 90s fashion trends that we still love to wear today.

1. Crop Tops

Taking a cue from favorite fashion icons the Spice Girls, crop tops are still a staple in most girls’ going out wardrobe. The sliver of exposed skin prevents overheating in a crowded party and you still look just as cool as the Spice Girls did back in the day.

2. Overalls

Admit it, you loved your overalls when you were a kid, especially that pair with the Winnie the Pooh applique (maybe that was just me). Today’s overalls tend to have fewer appliques, but are still just as comfy and casual. The only downside of this trend coming back is the struggle of trying to go to the bathroom while wearing them.

3. Doc Martens

Tai rocked a pair of metallic boots in Clueless and Princess Mia wore the classic black shoes in The Princess Diaries (which came out in 2001, but close enough). Docs have made a comeback among celebrities—including Zayn Malik, Miley Cyrus, and Jessica Alba—as well as with hipsters and in mainstream culture. North West even rocks a tiny pair, so you know they’re cool.

4. Flannels

A key component to the 90s grunge look, flannels have now once again infiltrated mainstream fashion. Sometimes all an outfit needs is a nice, oversized flannel on top or tied around the waist. And a hint for guys: girls love a boy in a flannel with the sleeves rolled up. You’re welcome.

5. Floral Skater Dresses

The reigning queen of 90s Fashion, Alicia Silverstone, rocked this floral dress in the 90s, and it is very easy to find a similar style in any store today. When you want to look nice without trying too hard, this simple outfit is perfect. Pair it with tights and Docs for an even more 90s look.

6. Choker Necklaces

Everyone had at least one of those tattoo chokers back in the day, maybe even in a variety of colors so they would always match your outfit. From Sabrina the Teenage Witch to Drew Barrymore to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, all of our 90s favs seemed to be wearing them. Today, celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Willow Smith, and Rihanna can be seen rocking chokers once again. 

7. High-Waisted Shorts and Pants

From mom jeans to mainstream, girls everywhere are raiding their mom’s closets or flocking to their local Goodwill to find a pair of high-waisted jeans to cut into their very own jorts. Stores like Forever 21 and American Eagle have even started to sell the possible DIY projects in their stores. If you need a new pair of jorts, I recommend going the DIY route, as long as your jorts don’t turn into junderwear. 

While it is recommended that you should never live in the past, these fashion trends from the 90s prove otherwise. So don those overalls, flannels, and chokers with pride at 90s parties and beyond. But as Cher Horowitz would say, make sure you don’t become a “fashion victim” or “ensemble-challenged.”

Madison is a senior at the University of Wisconsin pursuing a major in English Literature with minors in Entrepreneurship and Digital Media Studies. Post college, Madison plans to complete her dreams of being the next Anna Wintour. In her free time, Madison enjoys listening to Eric Hutchinson, eating dark chocolate, and FaceTiming her puppies back home. When she isn't online shopping, or watching YouTube bloggers (ie Fleur DeForce), Madison loves exploring the vast UW Campus and all it has to offer! She is very excited to take this next step in her collegiette career as Campus Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief for HC Wisco. On Wisconsin!